On-Campus Student Employment

Work study is a need-based financial aid award. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it), and it is not a loan (you don't have to repay it). Students must qualify for need-based financial aid to receive work study. For more information visit the Financial Aid website.

Step 1: Create a strong resume
The first step to applying for a job is to create or update your resume. If you have never created a resume before or would like feedback on your existing resume, the Career and Community Engagement Center (CCEC) can assist you. To get started, check out these helpful resources including a resume template here. To make an appointment to meet with someone in the CCEC either in person or virtually, you can do so through Handshake.

Step 2: Activate your account in Handshake
Once you have an updated resume, you are now ready to log into Handshake. Handshake is the online job portal that you use to apply to on-campus student jobs. Log in to Handshake here. Click the large blue button on that landing page titled "Whitman Student Sign On" and log in using your regular Whitman (single sign on) credentials. Please do not use a non-Whitman email address to create an account. For assistance, email ccec_info@whitman.edu.

Step 3: Create your profile in Handshake
Once you have activated your account in Handshake, you are now ready to create your Handshake Profile. Handshake will guide you through a series of questions that will enable you to tell prospective employers about yourself, your work history, and volunteer/leadership activities, among other things.

Step 4: Apply for jobs in Handshake
Now you are ready to search for an on-campus job! View the jobs that are available to students with work awards here. For jobs that are of interest to you, follow the instructions to apply. Given jobs fill quickly, apply for as many jobs as possible.

Step 5: Interview
Soon you should start to hear from supervisors who are interested in learning more about you, so keep a close eye on your email. For most jobs, an interview will be a part of the hiring process. Make sure to arrive to your interview a few minutes early, and be prepared. Think about how you will respond to some basic questions, like:

• Why do you want this job?
• What are your strengths?
• What skills do you have that will fit the needs of the job you are applying to?
• What hours/days of the week are you available to work (make sure to bring your class schedule with you)?
• What jobs have you held in the past, what were the duties, and what did you learn from them?

1. Form I-9 (Federal Employment Eligibility Form)
2. W-4 Form (Employee Withholding for Federal Taxes)
3. Direct Deposit Form

Wages are paid monthly and payday is the 18th of every month or the business day closest to the 18th. Student employees are paid through direct deposit of funds to either a savings or checking account at the financial institution of their choice. Payment of wages requires a completed timesheet. Timesheets must be signed/authorized by both the student and supervisor to be considered completed. Below is a graphic to help you understand payroll timelines.

Direct deposit form

• Filed with HR
• Web timesheets to keep track of hours

9th of the month

• Pay period starts
• Enter work hours daily online

8th of the month

• Pay period ends
• Certify web timesheet online for supervisor to approve by e-signature

18th of the month

• Payday - Your pay will be deposited directly into your bank account

Student Employee Paid Sick Leave                                               

Please see the information at Student Employee Paid Sick Leave.